What Are the Pros and Cons of Fiber Cement Siding for Missouri Homeowners?

Fiber cement siding is one of the most popular exterior siding products for Missouri homes – and for homeowners across the nation! But you should consider the pros and cons of fiber cement siding carefully before deciding whether to order it for your house.

Although there are different brands of fiber cement siding, CoMo Premium Exteriors only recommends the installation of James Hardie brand fiber cement.  The James Hardie Company invented fiber cement siding products in the early 1980s as a durable, low-maintenance alternative to wood and vinyl.  As the inventor of fiber cement siding, James Hardie continues to produce the best and most reliable fiber cement siding on the market today.

Pros of Fiber Cement Siding for Missouri Homeowners

Given its popularity, it’s no surprise that James Hardie fiber cement siding has several major benefits that Missouri homeowners shouldn’t ignore.

Been on Market for a Long Time with Few Changes

James Hardie fiber cement siding has been on the market for over 30 years with very few changes whatsoever. The product has excellent reliability and value and has even been shown to have the highest return on investment in comparison to other siding products.

No Issues with Termite/Pests

Next, James Hardie fiber cement siding is known to be durable against termites, pests, and other infestations. Again, this is no surprise as fiber cement siding is essentially a type of cement board placed over your home. This durable siding is also not as vulnerable to water damage or cracking, both of which may allow pests to infest other types of siding materials.  For those who live in heavily wooded areas, James Hardie fiber cement is a great product against the damages caused by woodpeckers.

Tons of Options of Look, Color, Style

No matter the aesthetic or style of your home, James Hardie fiber cement siding can go well with it. That’s because fiber cement siding is available in a wide variety of styles, colors, and types. These include but are not limited to straight and staggered shakes, board and batten, lap siding, and more.

Durable Against Missouri Weather

Of course, James Hardie fiber cement siding is also very resistant against the harshest Missouri weather, especially in the winter. Hailstorms and rainstorms alike won’t harm fiber cement siding or be nearly as dangerous to its longevity and appearance compared to other siding materials.

In fact, James Hardie fiber cement siding is rated for successful performance at the southern border of James Hardie’s “HC5” zone, which indicates that it’s guaranteed to perform even when exposed to the ice and cold of Missouri winters.  Unlike wood products that can expand and extract moisture, James Hardie fiber cement will not.  In addition, unlike vinyl, James Hardie fiber cement is not brittle in extreme cold.

Holds Up Over Time

Perhaps most important for many homeowners, fiber cement siding holds up very well over time. When you make an investment in James Hardie fiber cement siding, you may actually save money in the long run since the siding will last for longer compared to a more common material, like vinyl.

Great Warranty

Even if your fiber cement siding has a problem, you’ll be protected because it comes with excellent warranties for both performance and color. For example, if your fiber cement siding’s color fades too quickly or unexpectedly, James Hardie’s warranty addresses the issue.

Cons of Fiber Cement Siding for Missouri Homeowners

There are a couple of potential downsides to keep in mind when deciding on siding for your Missouri home.

Has to Be Installed Well

Since James Hardie fiber cement siding is so potentially useful, it must be installed correctly by talented and experienced contractors. If it isn’t installed properly, you may not see all the benefits described above.

A Bit Pricier Than Other Materials

James Hardie fiber cement siding is also more expensive than other siding materials like vinyl. But for many homeowners, the cost is worth the longevity and other benefits they receive – especially since fiber cement siding can increase the value of your home!

Should You Choose Fiber Cement Siding in Missouri?

At the end of the day, only you can decide whether fiber cement siding is the right choice for your Missouri home. Consider the pros and cons of fiber cement siding carefully, then contact Como Premium Exteriors today to set up an appointment or for more information!